Catacombs of the Black Vatican

Released in 2014, Catacombs of the Black Vatican marks the ninth studio outing for Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society. The album is notable for introducing drummer Chad Szeliga (formerly of Breaking Benjamin), whose precise yet powerful style provides a solid foundation for Wylde’s expansive guitar pyrotechnics. Sonically, the record serves as a bridge between the band's high-octane metal roots and the more somber, acoustic-driven explorations found on 'The Song Remains Not the Same'. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted that while the album doesn't reinvent the BLS formula, it refines it, offering some of the most cohesive songwriting of Wylde's career. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number five on the Billboard 200, proving the enduring loyalty of the 'Berzerker' fanbase. It stands as a definitive example of modern Southern Metal, balancing crushing riffs with genuine emotional vulnerability in its balladry.